This cabinet card features early theatre actress, Annie Dunscombe. She was certainly a beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, biographical information concerning Miss Dunscombe appears to be sparse, and further research is necessary. Dunscombe is mentioned in Michael Bennett Leavitt’s book, “Fifty Years of Theatrical Management” (1912). Leavitt writes of a theatrical season where many of the young actresses he worked with, were wed. Annie Dunscombe, then, a member of the chorus, married comedian, J. W. Bradbury. This cabinet card portrait is by celebrated photographer, Marc Gambier (1838-1900). This image captures Miss Dunscombe in costume. Gambier was born and educated in Paris, France. At the age of 19, he came to America for a very short stint of time. He returned to France and became a student of the great painter, Le Creton. Subsequently, he became a student of another great painter, Camino. He then returned to America and for five years, studied and worked under esteemed photographer, Napoleon Sarony. He then launched his own photography business in New York City. He divided his time between his first love, painting, and his business of taking and selling photographs. Gambier was known as a great historical painter. He was a veteran of the French Army and while in the service, he sketched and painted several important battles. Research reveals that Gambier was listed in the 1880 US census. He was forty-one years old and living in New York City with his family. He is listed as living with his wife Emilie (age 28), daughters Louise (age 10) and Emilie (age 7), and son M. L. (age 2). Also in the residence was a young woman (age 25) who worked as a servant. Gambier was known for the many theatrical photographs he produced as well as for selling postage stamp sized portrait photographs, that people attached to their letters and postcards. This cabinet card has an extremely minor curl and is in veriy good condition (see scans). Annie Dunscombe portraits are uncommon.
This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $40.00 or Best Offer.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Is this sold?
This item is not sold. Click the link to ebay under this item and it will take you to my ebay store. You will find the item there. Thanks for your interest in this lovely cabinet card. If you encounter any problems accessing the site, let me know. bruce